Need a boat or jet-ski? These shops have you covered

When people live near a beautiful body of water like the Puget Sound, it can become a tradition of sorts to have parties on their boats. Maybe you've thought floating around on a personal vessel sounded cool, but there's just one problem: You don't actually own one. Thank goodness for these six companies and groups who'll bail you out of your boat-less summer by renting you your own little watercraft, whether it be an actual boat, or even a jet-ski!

1) Point Defiance Marina: Tucked behind Anthony's near the Vashon ferry is a little marina, where not only can you park your boat, but you can rent one as well! They're not the flashiest ships around - they're essentially tiny, little metal dinghies that look straight out of a WWII movie - but they have a motor and they float. Isn't that all a boat's required to do, anyways? Besides, in terms of price, you won't get lower prices anywhere else. 3-hour rentals are $75 plus $15 for every additional hour, 5912 N. Waterfront Drive, 253.591.5325

2) Action Rental: It's right in the name of the business: Action Rental is going to provide you with some much-needed, well, action. Not only can you rent a small, little motorboat, but you can also rent jet skis! They're even throwing in a $50 discount on the daily rate during the week of the 4th, so how could you skip this place? Cost depends on boat, open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 8202 Berkeley Ave. SW, Lakewood, 253.284.9284

3) Zittel's Marina: This one's a bit out in the wilderness way north of Lacey on Johnson Point, but it's still a fantastic place for boat rentals. Because of its secluded location, it's easy to take your boat to nearby coves and camping sites. If you're looking for a bit more outdoorsy experience, Zittel's might be right up your alley. Open 8 a.m.-7 p.m., 9144 Gallea St. NE, Olympia, 360.464.9246

4) Boston Harbor Marina: Now, what if you wanted a boat that was a bit more hands-on? Boston Harbor is renting old-fashioned wooden rowboats, including large ones that can fit two adults and two kids. Sure, it'll require a little more elbow grease to operate, but that's what America was built on, so why not get a little exercise before you stuff yourself with chili dogs and baked beans? $20/$30 per hour for small/large boat, open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun-Wed; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs-Sat, 312 73rd Ave. NE, Olympia, 360.357.5670

5) Boatbound: This one isn't an actual store, per say, but it might be even better. Boatbound is essentially Airbnb for renting boats. You can filter your choices through the type of boat, the boat's size, cost, and so many other variables you can adjust. You can pick out a swanky boat fit for a Rockefeller, or you can get a smaller one on the cheap. You're in complete control. There's even an option for requesting to have a "captain" on board, in case nobody actually knows how to pilot a boat. If you don't mind meeting strangers, this is a potentially revolutionary option. www.boatbound.co